1st Test - England vs NZ at Lords May 16-20

[African Monkey]

England missing Pietersen big time. It's a very defensive top 6 they've put out.

 

[byrne_rovelli_fan82]

NZ finished Day 2 at 153/4

 

[IanG]

Looks like a real bat & ball contest

 

[Xfactor1979]

England missing Pietersen big time. It's a very defensive top 6 they've put out.

Never thought anyone would ever miss Pietersen.

 

[vvvrulz]

England missing Pietersen big time. It's a very defensive top 6 they've put out.

In his absence they rely far too much on Prior to attack, and he had to fail some time.

This is a great effort from New Zealand, question is can they sustain for five days?

 

[jamaman]

..looks like as left on from NZ.. Prior looked very indignant to be out, pompus pooh!

 

[Iafeta]

Taylor looked to be getting back to some good form. Rutherford got a ripper to get out to, such a shame, the ball before he played an awesome cover drive. This partnership will be crucial IMO. Williamson is becoming a good test bat.

 

[Scott]

Good game of test match cricket this one. BMac may very well have the biggest say. If he can bat a couple of hours and get to lunch, i'd say we are in a very powerful position. Big if though...

 

[Xfactor1979]

In his absence they rely far too much on Prior to attack, and he had to fail some time.

Its hard to attack when the momentum of the innings is established with the run rate at 1.50 all innings

 

[vvvrulz]

Its hard to attack when the momentum of the innings is established with the run rate at 1.50 all innings

Yep, that first innings bowling was our best collective bowling effort in many years.

 

[Red Bear]

In his absence they rely far too much on Prior to attack, and he had to fail some time.

This is a great effort from New Zealand, question is can they sustain for five days?

KP is hugely important to that side, their most dangerous batsmen. Softcock bell is a much better sight to see coming in than Pieterson.

Also and overly cautious side in general up the top. Conditions were tough but Taylor showed playing with a bit of positivity can pay off

 

[Xfactor1979]

Nz have dropped the intensity this morning and they have let England back in

Still trailing by 50 and only 4 wickets in hand

Mind you, in the good old days, Nz always had a better lower middle order than a top order in ancient history

Before Chris Martin came along, Nz's batting lineup had Vettori at 8, Dion Nash, Gavin Larsen, and Chris Harris(not to forget Chris Cairns). They often scored more than 1/2 the innings total as they profiteered on tired bowlers misled into thinking "the hard work was done"

Can the last three hang around with Watling to get parity with England?

 

[vvvrulz]

Its going to finish roughly even, and I don't think England will give New Zealand a second sniff.
Opportunity blown for me.

 

[Xfactor1979]

The pitch can only get easier to bat on.

.and yes, Nz have missed an opportunity

Although if the recent series in Nz is any indication. Nz is a tricky opponent for England to deal with

 

[byrne_rovelli_fan82]

Sorry no updates from me for Day 3, I was at a hockey game and I'm far too tired now. Though Eng are 54/2 2nd innings

 

[Timbo]

Why is McCullum keeping instead of Watling?

 

[Red Bear]

Why is McCullum keeping instead of Watling?

Injured himself trying to run someone out.

6/180, Southee doing much of the damage including getting Prior for a pair

 

[vvvrulz]

We're still in this again thanks to our bowling, but I'd still say advantage England.

 

[African Monkey]

Great test this is. I think England are just ahead but it's still very close.

 

[hineyrulz]

We're still in this again thanks to our bowling, but I'd still say advantage England.

NZ's bowling attack is very promising.